The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Registration of Arms
December 20, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 337
Arms of Garnet James ColwellBlazonArgent on a bezant irradiated Gules a hurt engrailed charged with a kingfisher Or; SymbolismThe disc with the red rays alludes to the 1917 Halifax explosion. Lieutenant-Colonel Colwell’s father, Henry Stubbs Colwell, the then-deputy mayor of the city, directed the relief following the disaster. The kingfisher is the emblem of Halifax. |
CrestBlazonA lion sejant Gules wearing a mural crown Or, gorged with a wreath of mayflowers, its forepaw resting on a circular mirror proper; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The red lion is perhaps a reference to that in the arms of Nova Scotia, Lieutenant-Colonel Colwell’s place of birth. The mayflower is the floral emblem of the province. The mirror alludes to the family business, a men’s clothing store. The mural crown represents his father’s service in municipal government. |
MottoBlazonFIT FOR ALL; SymbolismThis phrase is another reference to the men’s clothing business operated by the family. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationSince 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of the College of Arms, London. PainterArtist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeIndividual Other InformationThe recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 10 October 1967. |